Toronto fest unveils first Asian film summit

Jackie Chan, MPAA topper Chris Dodd set to attend

Jackie Chan and Chris Dodd, chairman and CEO of the Motion Picture Assn. of America, will attend the inaugural Toronto Asian Film Summit on Sept. 10 during the Toronto Film Festival.

The event, taking place at the Shangri-La Hotel, was announced in Tokyo by fest artistic director Cameron Bailey. The new hotel, which opens next month, is located a few blocks from the fest’s headquarters, TIFF Bell Lightbox.

“As a key launch pad for films in North America and home to huge audiences for Asian cinema, Toronto can be a prime meeting place for the Asian and western film industries,” Bailey said. He added that, with the Summit, the fest will bring together industry leaders in production, finance, distribution, exhibition and policy to “foster deeper relationships, generate new ideas and find new business opportunities.”

The full Summit line-up will be announced in coming weeks. A limited number of passes will be available to industry professionals registered with the fest and sold via its sales and industry office. Passes go on sale July 20.